Zenith Bank Plc has taken a major step in its Pan-African growth drive with the launch of a new subsidiary in Côte d’Ivoire.
The official unveiling is set for Wednesday, April 29, 2026, and is expected to draw top government officials and financial regulators from both Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, alongside business leaders and members of the diplomatic community. The event underscores growing economic cooperation and investment prospects between the two countries.
The subsidiary, which received its licence in December 2025 from Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Finance and Budget and is regulated by the UMOA Banking Commission, will operate from its headquarters located at SCI Wall Street, Avenue Noguès, Plateau, Abidjan.
This expansion signals Zenith Bank’s entry into Francophone West Africa, strengthening its role within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). The bank aims to serve as a key platform for cross-border trade and investment, offering services such as corporate banking, trade finance, and structured financial solutions for businesses operating across Africa and globally.
Speaking on the development, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, said the move aligns with the founding vision of building a globally recognised African banking brand. She noted that the new subsidiary opens up strategic opportunities in Francophone markets while reinforcing the bank’s commitment to driving trade, investment, and enterprise growth across the continent.
The Côte d’Ivoire operation will be led by Managing Director/CEO, Cédric Tano, a seasoned banker with over 20 years of experience. He expressed confidence in the bank’s ability to leverage global best practices alongside local expertise to support businesses, enhance cross-border transactions, and contribute to economic development in Côte d’Ivoire and the wider WAEMU region.
The launch forms part of Zenith Bank’s broader continental expansion strategy. Beyond its strong presence in Anglophone Africa, the bank is also exploring opportunities in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), with Cameroon identified as a key entry point.
Zenith Bank currently operates in several countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, and China, positioning itself as a bridge between African markets and the global economy.
Established in 1990, the bank has grown into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, maintaining a strong capital base and consistent performance. It has held the record for the highest Tier-1 capital in Nigeria’s banking sector for 16 consecutive years and continues to build its reputation on innovation, service delivery, and prudent risk management.
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